With Cristiano Ronaldo having just signed for Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr, reports suggest that the Portuguese superstar could make a sensational return to the UEFA Champions League as soon as next season.
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On Friday, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner signed with the Saudi Pro League table-toppers on a contract said to be worth a mammoth €200 million (R3.6 billion) a season for the next two-and-a-half years.
The football icon makes his way to the Middle East after seemingly failing to secure a deal with a European side that is competing at the highest possible level and could meet his salary demands.
According to Marca, however, there could still be a way for the 37-year-old to once again ply his trade in the biggest club competition in Europe.
The Spanish outlet claims that, in his deal with the Knights of Najd, there is a clause whereby if Premier League outfit Newcastle United are able to qualify for next season's Champions League, he could spend the 2023/24 season on loan at St. James' Park because both Al Nassr and the Geordies are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
The five-time winner of the competition holds several records in the Champions League, one of them being its all-time top goalscorer with 140 goals. With long-time rival Lionel Messi hot on his heels with 129 strikes, the Portugal international is likely to be keen to extend that record before the Paris Saint-Germain star man can surpass him.
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Ronaldo last competed in Europe's premier club competition in the 2021/22 campaign, when he helped Manchester United reach the tournament's round of 16 stage with his six goals in seven appearances.
The Red Devils' failure to qualify for the Champions League this season is said to be a major contributing factor as to why he ultimately left the club in November and now finds himself in Saudi Arabia.
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